Potato Leek Soup With Anchioade (Cilantro-Anchovy Chop)

Submitted by Chef Kate

"A zesty take on the classic soup. Depending upon how rich you like it, you can use anything from skim milk to heavy cream."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch cilantro stems, tied with kitchen thread
• 1 cup cilantro leaf
• 4 -6 anchovy fillets
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 leeks, white part only, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 cup cream

directions

1. Put the cut potatoes in a medium saucepan with the salt and cilantro stems, cover with about 4 cups cold water or more to cover by a half inch or so.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Discard the cilantro stems; reserve the potatoes and their cooking water.
3. While the potatoes cook, mince the cilantro leaves, anchovies and garlic together on a cutting board until very fine, almost like a paste, and reserve.
4. In a saucepan, saute the sliced leeks in the butter until tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine the leeks, potatoes and cooking water and puree until very smooth (Do not overprocess the mixture or the potatoes will be gummy)-- this is easiest with an immersion blender.
6. Strain through a sieve, pressing on the solids, into the saucepan.
7. Add the cream (or milk) and bring to a simmer.
8. Taste for salt, remembering that the anchoiade can be salty; if the soup is too thick, add more cream or water.
9. Serve in soup bowls and divide the cilantro-anchovy chop among the servings, a spoonful swirled on top of each.

Reviews

[Leggy Peggy]

Delicious and comforting soup. I made it as written. We enjoyed it, but I wish I had doubled the anchovies. Will make again -- and often, but with more anchovies. Thanks for posting.